How to use Ellipta

Using your inhaler properly is important when you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This short clip shows you how to use an Ellipta.

Medications

An Ellipta is used with a number of different medications. These include:

• Anoro (umeclidinium plus vilanterol)
• Breo (fluticasone furoate plus vilanterol)
• Incruse (umeclidinium)
• Trelegy (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol).

Checklist of steps

1. Check dose counter. (Do not shake at any time.) 
2. Slide cover down until a click is heard. 
3. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
4. Put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal. (Do not block air vent with fingers.) 
5. Breathe in steadily and deeply. 
6. Hold breath for 5 seconds or as long as comfortable. 
7. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth. 
8. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler).
9. Slide the cover upwards as far as it will go, to cover the mouthpiece. 

Potential errors

• Shaking the inhaler
• Opening and closing the mouthpiece without inhaling a dose
• Leaving the mouthpiece open
• Covering vent with the hand
• Exhaling into or near the mouthpiece
• Not closing the cover after inhaling.

Tips

• Do not open the mouthpiece until you are ready to inhale the dose; if the mouthpiece is closed, the dose is lost.
• Always close the cover after use.
• If you are using this inhaler for a corticosteroid preventer medication, rinse your mouth with water and spit after inhaling the last dose to reduce the risk of side-effects.

Getting the most out of your inhaler

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma & respiratory educator to:

• Explain how your inhaler should be used
• Check you are using your inhaler properly
• Tell you where to find the expiry date on your inhaler
• Show you how to check if your inhaler is empty or nearly empty
• Discuss any unwanted effects from your medication
• Explain how to clean your inhaler.

Different brands of inhalers sometimes have slightly different instructions to each other for similar steps. The checklists in our How-to video library have been simplified and standardised where possible to reduce confusion.

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions.

Other inhaler types

See our complete How-to video library for other inhaler types and how to use them.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Ms Judi Wicking, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by an untied educational grant from GSK Australia. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.